The veteran tenor saxophonist made a bold impact on jazz history-especially during stints with Woody Herman and as part of the landmark Jazz at the Philharmonic concerts from the 1940s and 1950s, playing alongside his peers, such as Charlie Parker and Lester Young. But it wasn't until the year 2000 that Flip released his first-ever major label recording as a leader, Swing is the Thing! (Verve Records).
Born Joseph Edward Filippelli in Brooklyn in 1915, he started out playing clarinet around his hometown in the '30s and played with the likes of Benny Goodman, Red Norvo, and many others before making his first big public splash with Woody Herman's Herd in the mid-1940s. He went on to win greater kudos and stir up excitement for his soloing prowess both at the Jazz at the Philharmonic concerts and on numerous recordings.
The funeral for Flip Phillips will be held on Monday, August 20th at 6:00pm at the Kraeer Funeral Home in Pompano Beach, FL. Phillips will be buried at St. John's Cemetery in Queens, NY.
Donations can be made to the Flip Phillips Scholarship Fund at the University of Miami, c/o Dr. William Hipp, Dean, School of Music, PO Box 248165, Coral Gables, FL 33124.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
